Advantages of Satellite Internet | disadvantages of Satellite Internet

This page covers advantages and disadvantages of Satellite Internet. It mentions Satellite Internet advantages or benefits and Satellite Internet disadvantages or drawbacks.

What is Satellite Internet?

Introduction:
There are many options for availing internet connection. These include DSL line, fiber optic connection, dial up line, cellular connection (GSM, 3G, 4G LTE, 5G) etc. Satellite internet is one of the option. It uses satellite and hub station supported internet infrastructure as shown. Small size VSAT discs are installed at customer premises along with satellite modem to have connectivity with satellite.

Satellites operate in different frequency bands viz. C Band, Ku Band and Ka Bands. C Band satellite uses 5.925 to 6.425 GHz (for uplink) and 3.7 to 4.2 GHz (for downlink). Ku band satellite uses 14 to 14.5 GHz (for uplink) and 10.95 to 11.7 GHz (for downlink). Ka band uses millimeter wave frequencies from 27 GHz to 40 GHz.

satellite internet

For all the internet related stuff (i.e. browsing, sending file, receiving file etc.) the connection from client PC/system goes to Hub station via satellite in the space. Once the connection is established based on resource allocations (frequency/time) between user VSAT, satellite and Hub station, it acts like a leased line connection for internet requests/responses and data transfer applications.

Satellite is placed at about 36000 Km above the earth and hence it is very useful in hilly regions where other internet options are not available.

Benefits or advantages of Satellite Internet

Following are the benefits or advantages of Satellite Internet:
➨It is faster compare to dial up modem based internet connection.
➨Wired connectivity such as phone line, DSL line or coaxial cable is not needed as the connection with satellite is wireless.
➨Satellite internet connection relies on satellite bandwidth and hence large number of users can be accommodated based on individual users' bandwidth requirements.
➨It provides secured communication by using encryption units at Hub station and VSAT sides (i.e. user premises).
➨Satellite internet is easily used in areas where other internet options are not available or not feasible to be installed. Moreover a single satellite provides services to the users spread across larger part of the earth.

Drawbacks or disadvantages of Satellite Internet

Following are the drawbacks or disadvantages of Satellite Internet:
➨There is delay of about 120ms from discs on earth to the satellite in the space and vice versa. Hence total delay for double hops is about 240 ms. This delay is applied to all the messages viz. connection establishment and data transfer operations. This poor latency is one of the concern in satellite internet.
➨In case of fault, it is difficult to troubleshoot the system. This requires advanced knowledge on satellite and VSAT technologies.
➨It delivers poor quality internet during bad weather conditions.
➨Satellite signals get attenuated due to obstructions (tree branches, buildings) in the path between VSAT antenna at customer premise and satellite in the space. This is the major pain for people living in dense forest areas. Hence VSAT discs should be properly aligned with satellite to avoid such situations.
➨Satellite bandwidth is a scarse resource and hence bandwidth per user is limited and is assigned based on plans. As a result satellite internet is expensive compare to other options.
➨Also refer advantages and disadvantages of Satellite communication >> for more information.



Satellite related links

Satellite tutorial   what is a satellite   Satellite frequency bands of operation   Parts of a satellite   Satellite Orbits   Satellite Services   Satellite types   Satellite Capacity Allocation   Satellite Network Configuration   Satellite Applications   Satellite Terminology   Satellite Applications   Satellite Launch Service Providers   Satellite Parts Manufacturers

VSAT related links

Article on VSAT   VSAT NMS protocol  RF Terminology   Satellite Terminology  Access types  SCPC  MCPC  RF Transceiver  C band RFT  Microstrip  RF upconverter design   Power Amplifier  what is modulation  satellite Modem  Link Budget 

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